Principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians for Disabilities Act

Principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians for Disabilities Act

The Standards of the AODA and the Accessibility for Ontarians for Disabilities Act talk about principles of Accessibilities.  These principles are important for people with disabilities as they help achieve accessibility.  These principles as they move to practices that help with full inclusion.  These principles include dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.  We must start to discuss the meaning and practice of each principle to help form the practices of a barrier free Ontario. Organizations must create policies, practices and procedures that are guided by the principles. 

What does the principle of integration mean?

The principle of integration is designed to combine services so that people with disabilities are included in any services.  Integrated services are those that allow people with disabilities to fully benefit from the same services, in the same place and in the same or similar way as other customers. Integration means that policies, practices and procedures are designed to be accessible to everyone including people with disabilities.

Sometimes integration may not be suitable because of other laws or does not serve the needs of people with disabilities.  In this case, alternate measures need to be examined.  This means that people with disabilities may to need to access the goods or services in a different place or in a different way. 

Can you share any examples of how a good or service is designed to respect the principle of integration for people with disabilities?

If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-503-1035 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca or visit www.accessibilitycompliance.ca